The next video in my Introduction to Cloth Diaper Series is all about pocket diapers! If you are brand new to cloth diapering the terminology is certainly confusing.

A pocket diaper is any cloth diaper that has a pocket opening. I focused on PUL shells (what is PUL?) with a lining and opening, but they are not limited to just that. There are fleece, wool, and even fitted (non waterproof) varieties as well. Still, the PUL shell with a stay dry lining is the most popular, like bumGenius! 4.0 and Fuzzibunz.

The pocket diaper can have an opening at the back (most common), front, or even in the middle.

Openings can be “hidden,” meaning there is a flap over the opening (ex. bumGenius! 4.0/3.0), completely open at the back (ex. Happy Heiny’s), or the envelope style where they tuck in (ex. Tiny Tush Elite), or they can simply have a slit opening.

Linings include:

Stay Dry- Microfleece or suedecloth. (comprehensive post on stay dry linings here)

Non Stay Dry- Cotton velour, bamboo velour, hemp/cotton, bamboo looped terry, cotton looped terry, bamboo fleece.

Pockets are popular because they are customizable and dry quicker than All-in-Ones but remain convenient.  They are also less expensive than most All-in-Ones.

Most pocket diapers come with microfiber inserts, the same material used commonly for towels to clean cars or mop pads.  It is cheap and absorbent.  You can also find pockets that come with hemp, cotton, bamboo, zorb, and more.

As shown in the video, there are many styles of pockets.  Middle closing with velcro or snaps, side snapping, one size, sized, and even dual size (another video).

The biggest drawback of pockets comes when it is time to wash (unstuffing the diaper to allow the insert to be throughly washed) and restuffing it when the diaper is clean and dry.  A typical load of pockets (15 diapers) will take 5-10 minutes to stuff.  Expect to wash every 1.5-3 days.  I have a continuous motion video of washing and stuffing diapers to give you an idea.

In its most basic form, a pocket is still just a shell with an opening for you to stuff an absorbent insert.  But wow are there a lot of options!

I am not a “controversial” blogger. In fact, when writing out my posts I am constantly asking myself “Will this offend someone?  Can this be taken the wrong way?” And so on.  Yet, just the topics I write about are controversial in themselves so I do get the upset mother commenting every once in a while.  I’ll admit it, it sucks.  I get a little sweaty just reading it.  Did I really just hurt someone’s feelings?!

I have been afraid to “push buttons” my entire life. When I have had confrontations in the past they never really went that well.  If a boss of mine was stepping all over me I let them.  The only time I ever stood up for myself was in high school.  I worked as a waitress at a steak house; the manager was a tool.  One day I found out from a friend that he was mocking me and my laugh (which is rather unique and it is a love it/hate it thing) and calling me names to the staff.  I was so upset but not sure what to do.  I stewed over my shift.  I wanted to walk out and tell him to kiss my ass.  So I did.  I calculated my totals and handed him the money for the day from my food sales and the tip share.  I let him know I had heard the things he said and I couldn’t work with him anymore.  As I stormed off, dirty black apron in hand, he shouted after me “You better have all my money!”  To which I replied, “Every last penny!”  I was shaking, sweating, and a little nauseous.  I was also only partially employed (I was working 2 jobs to support myself.) and nervous.  I told myself I never wanted to have that happen again.

Then in college I was the Customer Service Coordinator for TJ Maxx.  This was a stressful job, mainly because no one was preventing the theft of goods and the return fraud occurring many times a day, every day.  So, I took matters into my own hands.  I became a vigilante, upholding righteousness and truth.  I refused returns, I stalked the thieves and called them out on their crap.  It was exciting and got my blood boiling and my heart racing.  This was a different kind of confrontation.  I was fighting for morality.  It was black and white; stealing and fraud are bad, mmmk?  Don’t do it or I will catch you.  I had no problem telling a customer to their face that they are pulling crap, bye bye.  If I ever see you again I will catch you.

Blogging is different and the same. I can sit behind my computer and write about my passions; cloth diapering, breastfeeding, babywearing, homebirth and natural childbirth, co-sleeping, and so on.  It just so happens that a lot of these topics polarize the mommy community.  When you say breastfeeding is good, the formula feeding moms often hear “formula is bad.”  When you say natural childbirth was the best choice you made the mom who chose an epidural hears “Epidurals are wrong and bad for the baby.”  If I say “Disposable diapers are wasteful and toxic” I am interpreted as telling moms they are harming the earth and their baby.

Is that what I mean?  Of course not.  But by praising one topic the other gets put down.  It isn’t like I am equally supportive of disposable diapers but I just happen to be writing about cloth diapers; that simply doesn’t jive.

For the record, here is where I am coming from.

I had a homebirth and it was all natural.  I also had a hospital birth, induced with pitocin, and had an epidural.  I loved my homebirth experience, but the hospital experience made me who I am today.  I don’t look down on any woman for choosing pain medications.  In fact, I wish the US had the option for Nitrous Oxide, a pain relief method commonly used overseas including homebirths!  It is safer, it is fast, and can be administered off and on at will.  Having a natural birth doesn’t make you a better mom but it is something to be proud of (but not brag about, big difference.)

I also love breastfeeding and I think every mother should attempt it.  It is cliche, but that is what they are there for!  Boobs are many things; they are food for babies, nice to look at and play with for your significant other, and they make nice pillows.  It doesn’t have to be a one or the other thing.  If you choose to formula feed for that reason then maybe I do have something to say about it.  If you fell prey to the many booby traps in the world that came between you and your baby’s nursing relationship I am sorry.  Then there are the moms who had to for other reasons that are out of their control.  I don’t think you are a bad mom, you are feeding your baby.  In the end, that is the most important thing.  Babies need to eat and need to be loved.  In my world, that means breastfeeding and cuddling my baby.

Cloth diapers….. oh boy.  Cloth is my thing.  I love cloth diapers, if I didn’t I wouldn’t spend the considerable time and effort that I do maintaining this website.  I would like everyone to use cloth diapers for whom it is feasible.  Unlike some others, I know there is a time and a place for disposable diapers and hybrid inserts.  I have used them myself.  I have never tried to hide that fact.  When we have ammonia issues (far too often than I should but dammit I can’t get rid of it!) my toddler sleeps in a disposable.  *gasp* Yes he does.  If not, he wakes up with a gigantic burn.  I have been reduced to tears before at watching my son not want to sit in his bath because it hurt his privates.  Nothing stings more than knowing the choice you made to better the environment and protect your baby from chemicals back fired.

Other reasons cloth might not be for you: no washer/dryer access. I won’t lie to your face and tell you that I would hand wash diapers daily in order to use cloth.  Call me names, I don’t care!  Some of you have commented that you do just that, and that is cool.  It isn’t for me. Update! I decided to try handwashing and using flat cloth diapers for 7 days. I found it possible, not ideal. My journey can be found here: Flats Challenge

Discussing cloth diapers in a mommy forum (I have been trying to put into words a post on mom boards, one of these days I will post it) can conjure up some serious feelings.  Usually the disposable moms get sick of hearing about how awesome cloth diapers are.  I have seen the alienation of moms when a group of women get to chatting about fluff.  And then, if you say something bad about cloth, the fluffy moms can get nasty.

I’m not gonna rehash it, but I wrote about The Great Divide of Cloth Diapering and why maybe we should promote to the middle class and not say “well if you can’t afford disposable diapers, why don’t you use cloth?” to families who just can’t.

If a low income family does have the ability to wash cloth diapers, often times they are unaware that it is an option or cannot afford the start up cost.  A friend of mine is working on starting a local diaper loaning program for these families.  I’d love to see more reusable diaper banks on a local level!

You will never hear me say that your choice to ______ was wrong.  Advocacy, in my eyes, isn’t about black and white.  Stealing is wrong, but getting an epidural- that was your choice and you have the right to do so.  I’m just thankful there are so many options in life.  I know that many of you are here because you come here often, you “get” me and my ideas, you share many of my passions.  Then there are those of you who might have ended up here from following a link on Facebook or Twitter, or you googled something.  Maybe you are here to leave a comment on a different post telling me I should be ashamed of myself for not seeing the other side.  I do.  I might not agree with it, and it isn’t for me, but it is for someone.

Finally, one thing I have learned in the 2 years I’ve been a parent is this:

Never, ever, ever say “Never.”

I have eaten my words more than once when it comes to my parenting ideals and what happened.  ”My son will never watch _____” or “My son will only eat ______”  Guess what? He watches ____ and he eats a ton of ____.  Overall, things have gone my way but toddlers sure know how to manipulate their parents.

I remind myself of this every time I see another parent holding a bottle or giving their kid a sucker, turning on the TV, or putting them in their crib and receiving protests.  I don’t know where they are coming from or how they got to where they are and neither do you.

I will be linking this post again and again when I take to blogging about something that might “offend” others.  If you do read a controversial post here, it is a rare one!  They do seem to bring in the most traffic so I get why there are so many blogs dedicated to pissing people off, but that is not me! Still, when I see something that needs to be said in the name of promoting or defending my passions, I am sure as hell going to write about it!

image via flickr user Tony3 using the Creative Commons License

Loves the velcro diapers, but doesn’t complain about snaps!

Often forgets to attach the laundry tabs.

Takes all the “easy” diapers first.

Hopes it isn’t a poopy diaper…..

♥

Doesn’t have to take out bags full of stinking disposables to the curb.

Instinctually removes inserts from pockets before putting them in the wet bag.

Always gets the different terms confused, but in a cute way.

Puts the wrong kind of diaper on sometimes, but hey, he is trying!

Even knows many brand names of cloth diapers.

Remembers to leave wool out of the diaper pail, most of the time.

Is grossed out by disposables and thinks they are a waste of money and landfill.

Never complains about spending too much on diapers.

Gives coworkers talks about why they too should use cloth diapers.

♥

Digs having his kid in cute diapers.

Always lets Mom do the diaper laundry, but only because he fears messing it up.

Deserves a special award for being awesome and understanding.

Happy Father’s Day to all of the Cloth Diapering Dads; whether they be active participants, unwilling but coaxable partners, or even just the financial backers of the obsession.

And of course a special Happy Father’s Day to my own husband.  He has been very supportive of cloth diapers (among other things) and has helped me to keep my website going through moral and HTML support.  Plus, he is a great Dad!  Love you Steven!

Please direct your questions to dirtydiaperlaundry at gmail dot com or ask them right here in the comments. Please also leave a first name with your question so I can show who asked. Send your questions by Thursday, November 12 if you want them answered publicly.

I am looking forward to our Q&A.

I fought the Baby Legs craze hard when I first had my son.  I saw many pictures of how adorable they were on little girls, and even a few boys, but in my mind I couldn’t see a boy in them.  I wanted to love them because they would make diaper changes so much easier.  It wasn’t until a friend told me about a fabulous sale that I gave in.  “Oh, they will just be for around the house.” I assured myself, and my husband.

Since then things have changed drastically!  My Baby Legs are more than for knocking around the house, though they are good for that too.  I like to use them when we go out just because they are cute.  When we fly, I pair Baby Legs and a onesie or t shirt for quick diaper changes on the plane.  We especially love Baby Legs for EC’ing!  It makes access to his diaper or training pants, like his ECA Wear trainers, easy.  They keep his legs warm too!

One thing I wished of Baby Legs was that they have tights (more for girls but if my son wouldn’t look girly in them we would use them in a heartbeat) or matching socks for their legs.

Luckily, now they have both!  Baby Legs has introduced a new line of coordinating socks (2 pair in a pack) that match their Baby Legs.  They have fun patterns that you can mix and match, like argyle, stripes, and polka dots in coordinating color schemes.  Fletcher is modeling argyle socks with striped Baby Legs.  His little legs would get cold while he potties without them!  The socks are aize 12 months, but my son is 10.5 and fits them perfectly.  He also has “chunky” feet.

Another thing I love about Baby Legs is that the back of their package actually says “Makes diaper changing, potty training, and EC’n a breeze.” Plus. there is a Dad using what I assume is an Ergo on the back too.  Granted, he looks a little strange wearing rainbow Baby Legs on his arms but I forgive him because he is wearing his baby girl.

If you are excited to pick up a pair of Baby Legs you should take advantage of this deal.  Use code “Punkin” when you buy one pair of seasonal Baby Legs, and get another pair free!  This is good Oct 8-21.  What a great way to stock up for your little one, or to buy a few gifts!  We just bought 2 pair for a friend’s daughter who just turned one and they love them!

Giveaway Closed.

This post is part of “All About Wool Week” on Dirty Diaper Laundry.

Wool?  If you already use wool covers and you happen to tell someone who has no clue about cloth diapers, you know the reaction.  ”Wool?  Seriously?  How does that work?  Isn’t it itchy?  How do you wash it?  What if poop gets on it?”  If you haven’t used wool yet, you probably have a lot of the same questions.  Let me answer all of those.

Yes, seriously.

Wool is a breathable and natural fiber that has natural lanolin which makes it water resistant.  Because it is a natural fiber it is not “waterproof”.  When you use wool, you lanolize it even more with pure lanolin like you can buy at any drug store to treat sore nipples.  Wool goes over non waterproof diapers like prefolds, flats, and fitteds.  It is the perfect solution for super soakers, especially at night.

It can be itchy, but you should find high quality wool and it should be soft from the lanolizing process.  You can even find some with a cashmere blend or cashmere parts.

Wool only needs to be washed every 1-2 weeks unless it gets poop on it.  One of the amazing properties of wool is that it is naturally antibacterial.  When wool is left to air dry after use it will lose any urine smell it had and be ready for use again.  This is because the urine reacts with the lanolin to make a natural soap, which will clean itself! (For those of you who joke about the perfect cloth diaper being one that washes itself, this is pretty close!) When you wash wool you can buy special wool wash with a small amount of lanolin already in it.  This will allow you to go longer before needing to full on lanolize your wool.  Fill a tub with warm (not hot) water and a few squirts of your wool wash.  Swish it around, squeeze it, let site for 15-30 minutes, spin it in your washer or squeeze in a dry towel, and let dry.

If you get poop on your wool you need to wash it right away to prevent stains!

Wool is a very intimidating prospect, even for the most seasoned cloth diapering families.  It seems like it takes a huge commitment but after lanolizing your wool there is very little upkeep.  There are so many benefits of buying and using wool.

• Wool is a natural fiber.
• Buying wool can support WAHM’s since many wool covers are made by moms.
• Using wool can actually save you time and money since you wash it every few weeks.
• Wool can be super cute and work as clothing and a diaper cover.
• By buying wool you are also supporting the families who raise sheep.  You can even look around for local farms and buy the yarn there to have it made into woolies by a WAHM!

Wool was the final frontier in my cloth diapering journey.  I am so glad I have given it a try.  It really does work amazingly for overnight.  For “All About Wool Week”  I am going to be reviewing the many types of wool out there and giving you a hands on look at how to care for your woolies.  Plus, there are lots of giveaways!

Welcome to Dirty Diaper Laundry’s first Cloth Diaper Carnival.  The topic this time is: “What you wish you knew then that you know now.”  I know that most cloth diapering moms have probably felt the pain of buyer’s remorse, or other forms of regret.  Or wish they would have figured out their wash routine sooner, etc.  This is the place to share your story.  If you haven’t done so already, it isn’t too late.  Go ahead and write your story on your blog, and come back here.  Use McLinky to add your link, and grab the code to add everyone else’s links to your page.  It is that simple.  Now, for my story!

I was lucky enough to stumble upon cloth diapering while I was pregnant.  The exact time/ date/ place I do not recall.  I do remember knowing when I saw that people still cloth diapered, and that the modern cloth diaper was easy to use, that I was going to do it.  At that point I began researching like I was writing my thesis on cloth diapers!  Actually, I probably did more research on cloth diapers than I ever did on my thesis for my B.A.  Google became my best friend.  I searched “How to cloth diaper”  ”How much does cloth diapering save” “Best cloth diapers” “Easiest cloth diapers” “How to get your husband to cloth diaper”  My fingers knew how to type “cloth diapers” in their sleep.
My main goal was to get a really large stash started, for as little money as possible. After lots of researching, my plan was this: Buy prefolds and covers for the first few months. Then, get 24-30 Bum Genius 3.0 for the rest of the time. I just knew one-size diapers were it for me. I read reviews of Bum Genius for hours. Although there were some who did not like them, the majority of reviews were extremely positive.
I searched local craigslists and found a steal on a bunch of Bummis covers. I bought them, and had buyer’s remorse. They were in poor condition. Why didn’t I demand pictures? Newbie mistake. They were useable, but had velcro issues! The laundry tabs no longer stuck, and some of the velcro was even coming off. I assumed I was stuck with them. At this point I had not yet met my addiction: Diaper Swappers.  I was already active on a cloth diapering board on Justmommies.com. A lady posted an awesome deal on infant prefolds! I went to the site and ordered them. Another mistake.  These prefolds sucked. I didn’t know it at the time. Had I known how much they sucked, I would have gone with another brand.

Fast forward to when I had already bought up what I considered to be my stash. I had 36 bleached chinese infant prefolds (that sucked), 16 preemie unbleached indian prefolds, 3 xs thirsites covers, 20+ crappy used Bummis covers, 2 WAHM small AIOs (that sucked), 2 Blueberry OS, 1 wool cover (that I never used), and 12 Bum Genius 3.0.

Let me tell you what I would have done differently: First, I never, ever would have bought those crappy used covers. My mistake: not looking for pictures, not asking enough questions about the condition. What I should have done: bought used from Diaper Swappers where the condition is stated and there are pictures! I thought I needed that many covers. In reality, I was able to use only my XS Thirsites which I bought used from Jillian’s Drawers. Second mistake: thinking that diapers from Ebay would work! I bought 2 really cute skull AIO diapers. They wicked like crazy and they took forever to dry. What I should have done: never bought them! You get what you pay for people! Third mistake: Buying more prefolds than I needed, buying preemie prefolds (didn’t need them), and buying low quality prefolds. I was completely turned off of prefolds thanks to the ones I bought. They got full super fast, and the serging started coming undone. I never even needed the preemie prefolds. I used them 3 times. Another mistake regarding prefolds: Prepping by boiling. I spent 5 hours using 3 stockpots to boil 52 prefolds. I had to boil them 2-3 at a time for 10 minutes. By the time I was done boiling them, my entire house was steamed up. I essentially steam cleaned my wallpaper and paint. Yellow was dripping off of the walls. If only I had just washed them 10 times. I think in the end it would have saved me work. But alas, I was pregnant and decided climbing up and down 2 flights of stairs to wash the diapers over and over would be more work.

There are lots of regrets, but all in all, I have been very lucky in my cloth diapering journey. I didn’t have to fight my husband to start cloth diapering, I didn’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to fins the right diaper because in all honesty, I love almost all of them!

So dear friends, to sum it up: I would have told myself this: “Don’t buy site unseen diapers, you get what you pay for, and never boil prefolds in a tiny apartment.”

Now, go on to all of the other cloth diapering bloggers and read about what they wish they would have known.  Let us know what you think!

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Every week I would like to introduce you to another Fluffy Mama.  You have already read my stories about cloth diapering, but this is a great way to understand how other moms have come to use, and love, cloth diapering.  This week, Marisa, mom to two adorable boys, 3 years and 6 months, has answered a few questions.  You can visit her blog, Sleep is for the Weak, to learn more about her and the fam!  She has also started a fantastic 365 project.

D in a Fuzzinbunz

How long have you been cloth diapering?
We’ve been CD’ing for 6 months. I didn’t CD with my first because of how living situation was at the time and honestly I was naïve to the whole situation. Once he was older and I explored the Internet more I learned about it a lot.

What made you decide to start?
As G (my 3 year old) got older, I started to learn about alternative ways of parenting. Other than the mainstream you see. I was young when I had him so most of what was told to me by those who were concerned, was the opposite of our parenting style now. I started doing research into them and gathered up the information to bring to my husband. I knew he’d be the hardest of everyone to convince. I was right!

When we learned we were pregnant with our son D, I decided to push forward with it even more. I thought that it was not only better for the environment; it was cheaper in the long run and quite adorable. I figure if I was having boys, I wanted something cute for myself to put them in. All in all, the idea of saving the $ we’d spend on disposables was the most appealing to me. I finally won the CD battle and after the hurdle in the start after our son was born, we both grew to really love them. My husband is a big fan now and doesn’t mind washing them if I ask him.

What was your first purchase and why?
Oh goodness, I think my first purchase was a BG! Why? I had heard from a lot of friends that they were a great diaper and they just raved about them. I have since grown our stash of BG’s. I couldn’t tell you the count.

How much do you think you have spent on your diapers total? This includes all children…
A good $400+. We purchased 12 fuzzibunz before D was born. We also have a local CD store that I love going to, my husband has to stop me because when I’ve seen they’ve stocked up, I want to go haha. I have also gotten quite a few from friends who’s children have outgrown them and are done having kids.

Have your family/ friends been supportive?
Our families thought we were crazy when they found out at first. Then, as they were around it more, they became much more supportive. My mom CD my brother in the early 80’s and assumed it was the same way then. I explained to her all the different sorts of diapers that are out there now and she’s fully on board. She even wants to learn how to make some. MyMILhas washed them for us when we traveled downstate to visit. So they have become much more supportive as time has passed. Friends really don’t get it because most of them don’t have children. Those who do, commend us.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of cding?
Saving money, not putting disposables into the landfills. Knowing that I may not be doing some large change but I am doing a part in making a change.

What is your favorite diaper to use?
Our BG OS’ and Fuzzibunz. I love them both. I don’t have a very big variety of diapers yet because it took D so long to grow into what we have. Now that he’s chubbier, I plan on getting more so who knows, it could be replaced as a favorite soon!

What has been the biggest challenge to your success at cding? (ie, washing, money, leakage, fit, etc)
Leaking! We had some bad leaking for a little bit but we finally got it under control. I had moments of wanting to give up because I felt every change was going to soak his outfit but luckily we got it fixed and all is well again. We had some fit problems in the start but that wasn’t because of the diapers, the kiddo was small. The biggest challenge is to not give up and give in to what is easier when something goes wrong and we didn’t.

If you want to be a featured Fluffy Mama and share your love of cloth, shoot me an email!  kdhoney1@gmail.com